Episode description

From the heart of Waziristan, the legend of Genghis Khan is being rewritten... on the squash court. Maria Toorpakai Wazir was raised as a boy, and took on everyone and everything - neighborhood bullies, Peshawar weightlifters, and all the rules about who should be able to compete.

This story contains references to violence. Please take care while listening.

Thank you, Maria Toorpakai Wazir, for sharing your story with Snap.

In 2011, Maria moved to Toronto to train with Jonathon Power, a world champion in men's squash. Maria writes about this and so much more in her book: A Different Kind of Daughter: The Girl Who Hid from the Taliban in Plain Sight. She has also set up the Maria Toorpakai Foundation encouraging families to educate girls and allow them to play sports.

Produced by Zahra Noorbakhsh & Nancy López, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 6